NAVAL REDUCTION

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 81, 30 December 1929, Page 9

NAVAL REDUCTION

ATTITUDE OF FRANCE FOUR-POWER AGREEMENT POSSIBLE NOT EXPECTED TO SIGN TREATY (United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Rec. December 28, 5.5 p.m.) New York, December 27. The “New York Times’ ” Washington correspondent says the immediate reaction to the French memorandum was that unless the unexpected occurs France will not sign any treaty for naval reduction or limitation at London. In the opinion of those best qualified to judge France has so solidified her position on naval disarmament that no loophole permitting her to participate in a Five-Power agreement is offered. The prospects apparently are that there is a possibility that a FourPower agreement will eventuate from the London conference. The prospects of agreement between Britain, the United States, Italy and Japan are regarded as rather promising, in view of recent indications of Italy’s attitude of sympathy towards a new effort for the curtailment of naval strength. Although the French note caused no further disappointment, it is taken for granted that the prior feeling of discouragement has not been modified by the knowledge of its contents. INTERDEPENDENCE OF ARMAMENTS FRANCE’S POLICY London, December 27. Dealing with the general issue the French memorandum on naval armaments indicates a preference for limitation by total tonnage, but declares the readiness of France to adhere to. a compromise regulating the distribution of tonnage among different classes of ships France’s policy is declared to be interdependence of armaments, and France hopes not to be obliged to deal with questions relating to the fixing of land and air armaments, but she cannot help pointing out that: tonnage adequate to her naval requirements stands in close relation to the general level of armaments. It is added that difficulties will not prevent France fronPseeking a solution which will enable the Powers so doing to enter into a mutual agreement without awaiting the conclusion of an agreement for the limitation of all armaments. The memorandum contends that the reduction of armaments should be based on Article S of the League Covenant. , . [Article 8 declares that members of the League recognise that the maintenance of peace requires the reduction of national armaments to the lowest point consistent with national safety and the enforcement by common action of international obligations.)